Finding the best settings for laser treatment of urinary stones
Official title: Assessment of the Optimal Settings of TFL for Laser Lithotripsy and Associated Thermal Injury Risk
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11048754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make the Thulium Fiber Laser work best for treating urinary stones, which many people deal with, to ensure the treatment is safe and effective while reducing any risks to nearby tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 20, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $684,107 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138972-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with urinary stone disease who may require laser lithotripsy treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with urinary stones who are not candidates for laser treatment or those who have already undergone successful treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to optimize the use of Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) for treating urinary stones, which are a common and costly health issue. The study will explore various settings and parameters in laboratory experiments to understand how TFL works compared to traditional lasers. By examining the effects of TFL on both stones and surrounding tissue, the research aims to minimize risks of thermal injury during treatment. Ultimately, the goal is to establish the most effective and safe clinical practices for laser lithotripsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients suffering from urinary stones.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with laser lithotripsy, but this specific approach using TFL is relatively novel and aims to fill existing gaps in knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhong, Pei — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zhong, Pei
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.